BibleWord.ai› Bible› Luke› Chapter 24› Verse 16

Luke 24:16

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 24:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
Luke 24:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 24

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was threescore furlongs from Jerusalem.
14And they communed with each other of all these things which had happened.
15And it came to pass, while they communed and questioned together, that Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17And he said unto them, What communications are these that ye have one with another, as ye walk? And they stood still, looking sad.
18And one of them, named Cleopas, answering said unto him, Dost thou alone sojourn in Jerusalem and not know the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
← Luke 24:15Luke 24:17 →
← Full Chapter 24 Luke Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But their eyes were holden, etc.] The Ethiopic version adds, “and were covered”; and the Arabic version renders it, “now he had veiled their eyes”, ascribing it to Christ; and the Persic version renders it, “and the eyes of the disciples were shut”: to me it seems, that their eyes: were held downwards; or they kept looking upon the ground as they walked, which was a posture suitable to their melancholy spirits; and there might be a peculiar influence of divine power and providence, so disposing them, that they did not look up to Christ their new fellow traveller, who walked on with them: and this was so ordered, that they should not know him; that so they might not be surprised at once, as…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Their eyes were holden - This expression is used merely to denote that they did not “know” who he was. It does not appear that there was anything supernatural or miraculous in it, or that God used any power to blind them. It may easily be accounted for without any such supposition; for, Jesus appeared “in another form” Mark 16:12 - that is, different from his “usual” appearance. They were not “expecting” to see him - indeed, they did not suppose that he was alive, and it required the strongest evidence to convince them that he was really risen from the dead. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“24:16 God kept them from recognizing him: The Greek uses a passive construction (they were kept from recognizing him) known as a “divine passive,” with God as the implied subject. God intentionally blinded their eyes until the moment of revelation, when Jesus broke bread with them (24:30-31; cp. 2 Kgs 6:17).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Luk 24:31; Kg2 6:18-20; Mar 16:12; Joh 20:14, Joh 21:4 Luke 24:17”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Luke 24 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification